Bamboozle

Not sure where to put this, so as usual "Newcomers" is my default place to post.

For about a week I've been having some eye problems. Too much computer time, perhaps. It's starting to scare me a bit. I've never been one for eye problems. I shouldn't be on the computer right now, but I was feeling really crappy and needed to be on SR. I know, go to the doctor. That requires money.

I'm in denial right now. I don't want to believe I have a vision problem. It scares me. I don't want to wear glasses or contacts. I don't want to learn that it may be high blood pressure or sugar or alcohol (at least I've been sober for a few days now) causing the problems.

One eye is having MUCH trouble focusing on distant objects. My vision will start out mostly okay in the morning, but get worse as the day progresses. I feel like all I have been looking at the past couple months is the inside of buildings.

How much do eye exams cost? You know, the whole pressure bit and whatnot...I honestly have no idea what I'm getting myself into. And where can I go for a good exam? Now it's catching up to me at the worst time. I know I can't put this off much longer, but my paycheck today is only going to be for MAYBE 200 bucks American and I'll have to wait another two weeks for about 350 more. ARGH! Forget holiday gifts. Looks like it's going to be Cracker Jack toys this year for everybody...

Oh yeah, and where should I go for quality lenses when the time comes? I may be poor, but I don't want to screw up my vision anymore than I have to. I need my eyes for art. If I have to pay a lot, then that's what I have to do. I take it Wal-Mart's out?

Dee74

Not being North American I can't help much with details Bam, but I hope someone can.

You'll most likely to find it's not anything serious...but do get it checked out asap - I know in my country low income earners have a number of ways to get treatment - and spectacles too, if it comes to that...

D

FizzyWater

Not American either Bamboozle so not much use either.

In the UK you get a free eye test, once again I'm left wondering why we moan so much in this country !!!!!!!!!!!!

I've worn glasses for the last 8 years or so, ironically it was trying on one of my mates glasses in the pub to read the football results coming in on the screen that prompted me to get them checked.

I've worn Contact lenses for the last couple of years, I pay £16 a month for them which is about $25, I think.

You might find its not as expensive as you think

Pelican

Bam, if you are American, Lions Clubs may be able to help.

I helped a young man , whose family had no insurance or extra money, get an eye exam and glasses through the Lions Club. We used the doctor they were working with.

Anna

I`m Canadian, but I do know that glasses are expensive.

If you feel uneasy, it might be an idea to consider an opthamologist, rather than an optometrist. But, I think you will get good advice wherever you go.

I`m sorry you`re going through this.

CarolD

First...an eye exam by an optometrist is needed.
Sears has all sorts of deals...exam + glasses if necessary.
I used them for years. They do test for eye
diseases too...such as glaucoma the pressure test you mnetioned.

The expensive part of glasses
is usually the frames and the extra stuff they want
you to add to the lens....tints/scratch proof/transistion color
all not really necessary.

I always went with the cheaper frames ..Sears
has many to choose from that are not "designer" frames.

You can also charge them on your Sears accoumt.

Wal-Mart and Sam's Clubs also have certified optometrist
It's a federal law..for an eye exam...it's an optometrist

An opthamologist, a MD who specalizes in eye diseases and
they do operations. You need a refferal to see one.

Yes...the Lions Clubs do assist with various eye
problems. Calling your local Lions is how you
determine what assistance they have available.
...They are the ones who paid for my special
program that allows me to communicate on line.

Bamboozle

Thanks, everyone. People at work told me that Wal-Mart's exam is about 50 bucks. Some go there and don't have complaints. I'll probably give them a call. There is also a Sears near me. Peace, people.

Dee74

right on, Bam

good luck
D

Bamboozle

Thanks, Dee.

I have an appointment tomorrow and I just found one of the papers of my most recent blood panels (the important sheet with the cholesterol and fasting glucose reading from 5 months ago). I'll take it with me, cross my fingers and hope for the best. I don't want to go, but I'm making myself do it. No matter what, it won't be a waste of money. Whatever it takes.

TryingSoHard

Bam, do you have a Lenscrafters near you?

You've gotten a lot of useful replies already, so I won't ramble. Do go get it checked out.

*hugs* and good thoughts for you!!

Mattcake

Good luck with your appt., Bamb. Hopefully your problem will be taken care of, keep us posted!

Bamboozle

Thanks, everyone.

...Just got back (I did go to Wal-Mart for my exam, but I don't know if I'll get my glasses there)...I was given a very low perscription for glasses. I'm slightly near sighted.

Otherwise, my eyes are in pretty good health (at least that's what he said ). I don't have to go for another eye exam for another year and a half.

I'll probably get some glasses in the next couple of weeks. I need to shop around for my best options. I don't look good in either hats or sunglasses (I don't like cranial accessories), so this should be interesting.

Pelican

Thanks for the update Bam!

So you're gonna be four-eyes like some of the rest of us? I'm six eyes (?) when I wear my glasses because of the bi-focal for the blasted tiny writing!

If you don't want to appear too trendy, stay away from the Sarah Palin style of glasses.

Dee74

if it's just one eye, go the monocle, Bam - that won't look weird *at all*
:bounce

Fulldresser4

Cranial accessories...LOL...I'm going to use that one!

Pelican

OMG Dee!

I'm crying, snorting, hooting all at once.
That is hilarious!
Thanks!!!

Bamboozle

I could start a trend...


Actually, I think it's a problem in both eyes...but I don't know how to read the perscription, anyways (so what do I know?). I forgot to ask before I left.